Save aquatic wildlife one bird at a time

(NC)—The topic of pollution continues to make headlines, constantly in debate amongst politicians and media alike. With heavy concern over greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution stays top-of-mind, but equally damaging to the environment can be aquatic pollution. Recent headlines demonstrate that water pollution remains a grave concern, with oil spills being amongst the most potentially damaging incidents.

For example, at least 26 million gallons of oil enter North American waters annually due to daily human activities. Even Canada has its fair share of oil spills such as recent spills in Alberta. In addition to spills from ships and oil processing operations, cooking and motor oils can also be harmful to wildlife.

But on the brighter side, there are leading programs such as the Canadian Oiled Wildlife Rescue Academy (COWRA) that can provide swift help when nature needs a hand. Since 2006, COWRA has hosted yearly workshops across Canada to educate and prepare wildlife rescue teams for future oil spills.

Founded in 2005, COWRA began its good work when the Canadian Arm of the Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Inc. (TSBRR) and Dawn Dishwashing Liquid entered into a three-year partnership – with a portion of Dawn's sales helping to fund COWRA. For over 25 years, Dawn has been dedicated to saving marine wildlife. From the shores of Alaska to the Galapagos Islands, Dawn dishwashing liquid is widely used for the gentle cleaning of oiled birds by wildlife rescuers around the world.

In refining rescue methods, wildlife rescuers found that one staple household/kitchen product worked best for helping to save the birds. Dishwashing liquid was discovered to gently remove the toughest of oils from feathers. Animal rescue groups choose Dawn dishwashing liquid because it has the power to remove greasy oil while remaining gentle on delicate feathers and skin.

"Being prepared and properly equipped to handle oil spills is crucial to the success of saving wildlife," says Tom Dunbar, Canadian coordinator, TSBRR. "With Dawn's support we increase the preparedness of our rescue teams during oil spills."

Oiled birds instinctively preen their feathers. When they do, toxins are ingested, which damage internal organs. COWRA teaches participants current techniques for cleaning, medically treating and rehabilitating oiled wildlife in preparation for potential oil spills. Since 2006, COWRA has trained over 110 expert wildlife rehabilitators, including approximately 40 veterinarians and rehabilitators in Edmonton this year alone.

"I was thrilled at the variety of topics that were presented at this workshop," says Kristin Arnot, of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton. "This workshop made me much more confident and gave me some great ideas. No matter if you are just starting out washing a few birds or you deal with large scale spills, there was valuable information for everyone. The hands-on training was excellent."

Tom Dunbar points out that, "It is essential to leave helping the wildlife to only the trained experts, and these are the people who should be called in the event injured wildlife is found".

As rescue techniques become more advanced, wildlife rescue worldwide will be more successful. With Dawn's continued support, rescue teams can effectively save global marine wildlife – one bird at a time.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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